I can only imagine the pain and suffering from this incident. May god bring the families back together and make them whole again. To the three who passed on..... God's speed.

On my way in on Wednesday afternoon I saw the 2 memorials and on the way out I saw the 3rd one in place for Amanda. I left Glamis that day with a very heavy heart, thinking about the the 3 young lives lost.

I thought a positive comment was badley needed, and I thought I would share the highlight of my day with everyone that has supported these families over the last week. I got a phone call from Sami's dad today. He and his family where in town to be with Amanda and Jacob's family. He asked if we could meet face to face today, and I of course said yes. I thought I would be meeting with him only, but to my surprise his wife and daughter came along also. We had a nice talk, they where all three holding hands, telling me funny things about Sami. It was so heart warming to see this family, still being a family! Today had been a "better day" to qoute them, and they even smiled and laughed a little when talking to me about Sami. They talked of how greatful they where for all the support they had been showered with from everyone on this site, and how they where looking forward to getting back home and so they can "just be a family" at home. I was so very honored to spend time with them today. They have a long road ahead of them, and they know that. It sure was heart warming to see the power of a family at work right before my eyes. I'm sure the strength they have was in no small part due to all the wonderful people that have had them in prayers, given donations, and posted such touching comments here on this site. Many people have done far more for these people than I have, so I just wanted to share with everyone the pleasure I felt today sitting with this family. My thanks to the Bestwick family, we are here to help you feel better, not the other way around! God Bless you guys!
John

As a parent, we always have strong hopes and dreams for our children. We dream that they will be a doctor who saves lives, or a scientist who finds the cure for cancer, or any number of things. We never dream they will be taken so young. But maybe God had the biggest dream of all for these three children, and so many others who have been lost in the last few years. Maybe God needed them to be angels, to help other little kids who get to Heaven and are scared, he needed them to hold their hands, and he needed them to watch over us all as we walk the paths he has chosen for us.

My heart goes out to the families and friends, the conductors and all who witnessed this. Words can not describe the sorrow I feel. May God be with you all, and may you always hold the memories of Samantha, Amanda and Jacob close to your heart. For if you remember them, they are never truly gone.

I just want to offer up a reminder to remember the train engineer in your thoughts and prayers. He called the Fire Station where Amanda and Jacob's father works and offered up his sincere apologies for what happened. He is devastated by all of this as I'm sure you can imagine. So please remember him. It's been so touching to see all of you come together to help the Gonzales and the Bestwicks. Your love is felt. Thank you.

That is positive to hear....heart wrenching but positive.
I wouldn't have been able to hold my composure in front of them, so thank you for doing that.

I think it is so amazing that the conductor went out of his way to apologize to the fathers of these poor children. To me, that shows nothing but the utmost class.

God bless everyone involved.

I just got off the phone with Marco Gonzales, he wanted me to let everyone know that he, Lisa and Michael will be leaving Phoenix tomorrow morning with Amanda and heading to San Diego to pick up Jacob then traveling home to Glendora. The funeral for Amanda and Jacob will be Friday in Glendora. Please pray for a safe trip for them.

Thank you again for all the kind donations to help the Gonzales and Bestwick families during these sad times.

Ed

My heart is breaking, I have no words that could possibly express my sorrow.

All I can do is quote these beautifully written words from Steph; and add, "Amen."

Very Sad....

RIP Little Duners

My prayers go out to both families.

My friend's son was buddies with little Jacob from Glendora. He is really depressed and I pray for peace for these families and my friend's son as well. With that being said I don't know any of these people but maybe one of you do who can pass this message along. I told my friend earlier if she is close to the parents to suggest this:

There is a really touching beautiful peace of music filled with hope. Please look it up if any of you get the chance and it will warm your heart. It is the epitome of the only words you can offer at a time like this. I tell people about it whenever someone they know, especially young folks pass away.

It’s called “With Hope” by Steven Curtis Chapman and it is so precious. It’s starts with a little childs voice saying “Jesus loves me this I know, for the bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong…..” and then it starts out...

This is not at all how
We thought it was supposed to be
We had so many plans for you
We had so many dreams
And now you've gone away
And left us with the memories of your smile
And nothing we can say
And nothing we can do
Can take away the pain
The pain of losing you, but ...

We can cry with hope
We can say goodbye with hope
'Cause we know our goodbye is not the end, oh no
And we can grieve with hope
'Cause we believe with hope
(There's a place by God's grace)
There's a place where we'll see your face again

And never have I known
Anything so hard to understand
And never have I questioned more
The wisdom of God's plan
But through the cloud of tears
I see the Father's smile and say well done
And I imagine you
Where you wanted most to be
Seeing all your dreams come true
'Cause now you're home
And now you're free, and ...

We can cry with hope
We can say goodbye with hope
'Cause we know our goodbye is not the end, oh no
And we can grieve with hope
'Cause we believe with hope
(There's a place by God's grace)
There's a place where we'll see your face again

We have this hope as an anchor
'Cause we believe, that everything,
God promised us is true, so ...

So we can cry with hope
And we can say goodbye with hope
'Cause we know our goodbye is not the end, oh no
And we can grieve with hope
'Cause we believe with hope
(There's a place by God's grace)
There's a place where we'll see your face again
We'll see your face again


We wait with hope...
And we ache with hope...
We hold on with hope...
We let go with hope.

Please if anyone can get in touch with these families, this song, no matter when they hear it will give them GREAT comfort and peace. I will indeed have them in my prayers.

In Christ,
Michele Himes

Was this posted yet? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZureM-sN-nM

Are there any details for Friday

My Department would like to send a Fire Engine to show our support for the families.

Thanks Scott... SAFD

November 25, 2007

FUNERAL NOTICE FOR JACOB AND AMANDA GONZALES, SON AND DAUGHTER OF FIRE FIGHTER SPECIALIST MARCO GONZALES, FIRE STATION 4/C, BATTALION 10, NEPHEW AND NIECE OF RETIRED FIRE FIGHTER SPECIALIST JOHN SANDOVAL, LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT

Jacob Gonzales, nine year old son, and Amanda Gonzales, 15 year old daughter, of Fire Fighter Specialist Marco Gonzales, Fire Station 4/C, Battalion 10, and nephew and niece of retired Fire Fighter Specialist John Sandoval, Los Angeles County Fire Department, passed away unexpectedly.

A viewing will be held at Glenkirk Presbyterian Church on Thursday, November 29, 2007, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.


A memorial service will be held at Glenkirk Presbyterian Church on Friday, November 30, 2007, beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Glenkirk Presbyterian Church
1700 E. Palopinto Ave.
Glendora, CA 91741
(626) 914-4833



Following the memorial service a graveside service will be held at:
Oakdale Memorial Park and Mortuary
1401 S. Grand Ave.
Glendora, CA 91740
(626) 691-2000



Following the graveside service, a reception will be held at:


Foothill Christian School (Gym)
242 W. Baseline Rd.
Glendora, CA 91740
(626) 914-1849

We have been out in Glamis for 7 days and then doing the early Thanksgiving prior. We were told of the tragic accident and it just makes you go numb.

After getting back and learning more about this tragedy it is our hope that our duning neighbors and our neighbors in town ( the Gonzales's ) know they have our hearts. We pray you will gain strength from your family and friends and duning friends to make it
through the days ahead. Take pride in all the special memories that are yours and will last forever of your loved ones lost.
We send our hugs and remind you to breathe a little more each day until the sun shines down upon you again. If you need us
we are there to hold your hands.

There are quite a few angels in the dunes now and know that you will never be alone.

As our family as well has a little dune angel. ~*~

God Bless the Gonzales's and the Bestwick's,

Hugs,

The Begin Family (Cathi,John,Brian and Brenna) of San Dimas.

If you need anything a shoulder, a meal.. we are here for you. Cathi@SuspensionsUnlimited.NET

this is by far the saddest n hardest post ive ever read on here. i have 2 lil guys 2 n 6 and cant imagine anything like this happening! my deepest condolences to both families and everyone involved. may God be with you!!

John Bishop,
Thanks for being the face of Glamis Dunes.com and representing us so well..

RoostKing...

I may go and pay our Gd.com and duners respects at Oakdale on Friday. It is just up the street from me and Oakdale holds a special place in my families hearts.

Many of our friends kids go to Foothill Christian School as well and my son at now just 10, this hits close to home.

I would like to show a fellow neighbor and duner as well as a parent our support and love through this tragic time.

Prayers of Strength to the Gonzales family.

Cathi Begin~

I read quite a bit of this, but haven't read it all yet, so I don't know if this idea has been posted. But maybe a couple big stone memorials could be placed at the main crossing of the tracks, and other spots where problem areas are for people that cross where they are not suppose to. The memorial would contain the names of all those who have died, or been hurt, due to being hit by a train there, and if anyone else gets killed or hurt there, their name will be etched into the list. Parents could show the memorial to their kids so they can understand, and people that come up to tracks at night might be a little more cautious if the names of those that didn't make it were ringing in their ear. I'm sure people assume someone has prob. been hurt or killed o the tracks when they cross, but without knowing for sure, they assume it's not really a problem because they have never heard of it, or maybe heard a story a long time ago. A list makes it real, maybe it would help, maybe it wouldn't, but if it saved the life of only one person, that actually took the memorial to heart and spent the few extra seconds to make sure the cost was clear, especially at the split, I think it would be worth it......

To lose one of your children would be unspeakable, but to lose both I would lose my mind. And to such a simple careless mistake. Its scary to think you or your loved ones can be here one second and gone just that fast. Just goes to show take care in every moment, and appreciate everyone and everything you have in life...You might not have it tomarrow!

My prayers and thoughts are with the family and the deceased.

http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories...tv.1c27332.html

Man that's rough.. R.I.P.

Awesome.

I talked to Sami's parents yesterday and her mom told me a little bit about Sami. She didnt conform to what people expected just so they will like her. She had plenty of friends who like her for who and what she was. Thats not an easy thing for a teen to do.

Sami's mom reminded me of something....after losing Kyle my friends walked on eggshells around me not knowing if they should bring up his name. Well my daughter and I wanted to hear funny stories or any stories about him, anything anyone had to say about him.....it comforted us. Sami's parents said the same thing.

So please anyone who has been on this thread who knows the families and the kids please share stories about them.
Trust me they will be very welcomed.

I have too have been reading this since the beginning. It is an extremely sad tragedy that none of them made it out. My thoughts and prayers are with all of those involved. One of my friends is an EMT in Brawley and responded to this call, it was pretty tough for all of them. I honestly don't know how they handle seeing so much of this stuff. I have heard "I Can Only Imagine" several times before, but never thought of it in this type of situation....wow...gives the song a whole new meaning. When I see incidents like this in the desert, I understand why my mom never let me get into the sport while I was still at home. She had a best friend killed on Competition hill when she was in highschool. It is amazing to see the outcrying of support from everyone here and thank you all for showing it, it will help those suffering more than you know.

Edit: I just talked to my mom on the phone, I never knew she was actually out there when her friend was killed....I guess I won't be giving her as hard of a time anymore when she doesn't like me going out....I always understood it was out of concern, but I didn't really understand until I read through this thread................RIP

thank you who ever put that wonderful video of sami Sami your on my mind and in my heart in DC.

To Gonzales & Bestwick Families,

I am a co-worker of Aimee Hazelton's in Phoenix. I am so very sorry for this heartache that you all are faced with. No parent should ever have to endure the loss of a child. Please know that my family and I are praying for all of you involved, that you are able to find peace in knowing that your babies are thought of daily, that no one will ever forget you or these beautiful kids. I am a mother of 4 myself, and will not try to tell you I understand how you feel. I can only offer my prayers. I have been touched by your stories, and the outpouring of love from the GD community, LA county, and people all over Arizona. I will never take another moment with my children for granted.

To the surviving siblings,

I know that your Sister's and Brother are right beside you every step you make. You now have your own personal angels, that will love you and protect you always. I pray that you are able to look forward in your lives with happiness knowing that Samantha, Amanda, and Jacob love you. You may not be able to see them, but they are there.

Aimee and Robert,

I can guess, that you have been like angels in the way that you have supported your friends throughout this ordeal. Please know that I also pray for you, that peace and comfort find you during this time.

Sunday, December 9th 2007 is a WorldWide candle lighting ceremony for all who have lost a child. In my home, in Mesa Arizona, we will be lighting a candle for Samantha, Amanda, Jacob, and our little friend Tori 4yr, (who lost her life on 11-6-07).

With all my heart and prayers
Dena

Will you light a candle for my Kyle. He was 15yrs old 6'2" and weighed 205lbs with size 15mens shoe. He was a gentle giant and a quiet guy but loved the dunes and came alive on the drive out there. He taught so many little kids to ride out there and saftey. He also like to pick on his mom, thought it was funny to get a reaction out of me. I love him and miss him so much. I know he is there to help Sami, Jacob and Amanda.....he has new riding partners up there.....and lets not forget David who passed in the dunes recently either.

I just got off the phone with Marco Gonzales and he asked me to post the following message....Ed


Hello all,

We have received many calls asking about flowers for the family. Marco and Lisa have asked that in lieu of flowers, please send donations to:

Ducks Care
2695 E. Katella Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92806

On the memo line of your check, please write "In memory of Jacob & Amanda Gonzales"


Here is some information about Ducks Care:


In 1997, the Anaheim Ducks, a National Hockey League team, partnered with the McCormick Tribune Foundation to form Ducks Care, a fund of the Foundation, in order to support the local community through foundation approved grants. Since then, Ducks Care has granted more than $6.1 million and over 171 grants to 80 nonprofit organizations throughout Southern California.

Ducks Care is dedicated to supporting organizations that facilitate positive change in our community by focusing on the education, health and well-being, and recreation of children and families throughout Southern California with a particular emphasis on programs aimed at at-risk and disadvantaged populations.



Ducks Care Primary Interests

Education:
Organizations that promote the value of quality education for all children through innovative, engaging and challenging in-school or after-school programs.

Health and Well-being:
Organizations that focus on the health and welfare of youth and families through community awareness, treatment or preventive care, including nutrition and exercise programs.

Recreation:
Organizations that encourage fitness, teamwork, self-esteem, leadership and positive role models through community outreach, youth development, organized sports or mentorship programs.



Ducks Care is a fund of McCormick Tribune Foundation's Communities Program. As the only program of its kind in the country, the Communities Program is designed to encourage charitable giving from the public and to improve social and economic conditions in 23 communities throughout the United States. To encourage giving, the Communities Program provides matching dollars from the foundation's assets to monies raised from the general public through its 34 program partners. The monies raised from the public, plus the foundation's matching funds, are then re-distributed to nonprofit organizations through a grantmaking process in the communities in which the funds were raised. In this way, the foundation supports these communities in meeting the social and economic challenges they face.

How wonderful.

Very cool.

My heart breaks for all involved. My deepest sympathies. God bless....

As tomorrow's ceremony in Oakdale draws nearer it is my hope that the Gonzales family finds love and support in seeing soo many people come to be their shoulders to lean on on a very tough day.

As we all have learned more about the lives of Amanda, Jacob and Sami we all have been blessed in seeing some wonderful pictures and beautiful smiles they had in the lives they lead. That is how I will remember them. Just precious. I am honored to have gotten the chance to read about some of their stories from family and freinds. Thank you~

Our family has endured 2 tragic Glamis accidents in our lifetime and each of them are buried at Oakdale. We have seen and barred
broken hearts and children in our group should have never had to witness or deal with the incidents as well, but have. They all
are doing pretty well by talking about it and with counceling too. Also, with never holding anything back by letting all emotions or questions be answered. We honor certain days and always visit where they lay now. Openess and hugs will go along way for Michael and Alyssa. Sometimes they may think that they could have done more to save their brother or sisters and you just have to tell them it was not their resposibility... it just happened and no one could of been there- no one, not even an adult at the time of the accident. Hug them just hug them. Believe me i know. The same goes to the engineer and conductor.. what a shock/numb feeling just unbelief! We are here for you as well, nothing you could of done - it just happened. No answers, just a plan GOD had we all can't comprehend. Bless them peace of mind, someday.

My heart knows that Jacob and Amanda will be watched over and greeted wholehearted and never be alone.
There are 2 Glamis Angels that have already greeted them and probably are holding their hands right now and
will make them feel welcomed at Oakdale as well.

I will be there tomorrow to make my rounds and to show support and comfort to the Gonzales's to honor the
lives of our neighborhood kids in Glendora whom live just north of us and who went to Foothill Christian just as
many kids I know do. My kids go to a Christian school close by and are 10 yrs and 5 yrs. We live our lives in the dunes and
I am sorry I haven't gotten a chance to meet this family yet. But I hope to tomorrow.
I'm just very sorry its now with having a similar circumstance and not at a most happy place.

You all have made it through a day at a time so far, just keep on breathing. Time will ease the stabbing heart pains a bit
a little at a time. Support of friends and family is stellar in the recovery of tragedy. Open yourself up to it and let it consume
you - accept that that is what life is about most, friends and family. Hug those 2 children who were there and endured so much
they are remarkable and also resiliant. That is what got me through a really unimaginable time.

Also, thank you to soo many Gd.com friends and DUNERS friends, they were my ROCK. I wouldn't of made it without my dune
families.

Welcome to Glamisdunes.com we are hear for you.

Cathi Begin and Family~

Dear Marco, Lisa and Michael-
I attended the services today with my son and daughter, though I've never met you guys, you have been on my heart and mind since I first heard from the Dreschler's about this horrible tragedy. The whole service was beautiful. I will continue to pray for all of you. May God give you comfort and strength, and continue to surround you with community. My son is 9 yrs old and a Jr. Webelo, my daughter is 6, I could only hold onto them and weep watching the video montage and listening to the eulogies. God Bless You all-

Hey Michael, Marco and Lisa,

I was at 2 of the services yesterday. Wow.. what a wonderful showing of family, great friends, fire fighters, police, neighbors and
cub scouts, karate peeps, school friends there was soo much love there. I ran into 2 neighbor families from Sonrise Christian school and even one Glendora family I haven't seen for probably 5 yrs.

All the fire trucks in the church parking lot. Then the line of service people as you walk out of the church was amazing. The overflow
auditorium was packed, all seats taken and standing room taken too all the way around the auditorium. Had to be at least 300+ people in the room.

One of my memorable parts was when Jacob's 3rd grade teacher was talking about Jacob and it rained soo hard you could hear it on the roof. It had to be Jacob up there laughing at himself and all the funny things he did having his teacher talk about him infront of soo many people. Also, when the principal was talking about Amanda and her 'Fork' phrank.. it poured down rain then too.. she probably was belly laughing so hard up there that she wanted us all to know. The greatest part was seeing how handsome you Michael- looked in a suit!! Had your long skateboard hair all combed nice and if my 10yr old son had to wear a suit.. oh man I would never hear the end of it! hee hee. Also, at the Oakdale service how hard you tried to push your uncle through the WET WET grass. I have a brother in a wheelchair who is a quadripeligic from riding a quad and if I was doing that he would be yelling to me.. Stop Cath~~ let me wheelie through it!! It's hard to push those chairs with the little wheels on the front. So you helping your uncle was really cool to see.
Oh yeah, the firetrucks leading you all into the cemetary! Wow!! What a sight I will never forget. I took a picture of when I had to get out and leave of them. They all helped me back out through about 7 of them. I had a bunch of great firefighters who MAN IT WAS CLOSE.. squeeze my car backwards through them. I will try to post that picture of the firetrucks.

Was neat to have it stop raining in time for the Oakdale outside service too, the kids must have given us all a break then.
Thanks Amanda and Jacob.

I want to thank 'The Boesens Family', Jennifer, Tyler and Allison and dad for taking my card and flowers over to Foothill for me. It was nice to hangout with them and make them laugh too.. as when before the Oakdale ceremony the funeral director comes to the HUGE CIRCLE of love of people that were awaiting your family to get there and say.. ' who owns the white Lexus with no plates' ??
Oh great it's me way down by the outhouse parked and I was in the way of the incoming firetrucks!! So I had to run and move it all the while -- about 300 people staring at me! DOH-Never fails. We all laughed hard at that. I got out of the way and backed it up to the outhouse. ha ha.

Oh yeah, my son went to Windham Preschool way back in Glendora and also thought it was great to hear Jacob had Mrs. Perenti in Kindergarten or 1st grade!! She taught there before going to Foothill. She is the BEST!! Jacob was soo lucky to have her as a teacher. WE love her. Seeing Amanda's friends talk about her too was great. She made an impact on them so much.

Lisa, seeing all the photo pages organized by trips, ages, events on the video..just WOW. Great, great and made me think of how I need to take the time to get all my pictures in order. What a neat mom you are. I was in the Glendora MOMS's Club about 7 yrs. ago too but have never really been to crafty. I really took that away from yesterday about I could better get my families life more organized.

Was really neat to also see that people that don't even go to Glamis.. are here now on Glamisdunes.com. Made me think about NOW what I write about. Yikes~! Some people that are not Glamis people are reading this now. Not just our desert families.
Welcome them all too to Glamis dunes.

Anyhow, what a neat neat family you all have the Nina, Grandma too thanking all of us for being there. We hope we all gave you some great memories of how many people care about you all.

Great looking family you all have and if you ever want to go for some sand car rides with us - you all are welcome to.

Just get my number from the Boesens or email us.

Keep your chins up and never think you are alone, reach out to us anytime.

Cathi Begin and Family~

School without Sami is hard. Its wierd how I still feel like she is here. It's still unbelievable. I miss being able to turn around in the middle of a boring english lesson and have her doing the most random thing. She always made me laugh. No matter what happened that day to make it bad, being around her made everything disapear and get better. I miss not being able to wait for 5th per. now I dread walking into the classroom. It's hard, but everyday is a new day, and I still miss her like crazy. I know her spirit is still here. Because when I think about her I suddenly get happy.

R.i.p. Sami.
I love you and miss you.


~Rachel

found this......

Are warnings enough to prevent dunes tragedies?
By SILVIO J. PANTA, Staff Writer


Sunday, December 2, 2007 9:11 PM PST

GLAMIS — More than two weeks have passed since the tragic collision that claimed three young lives Nov. 17 in the sand dunes near here, and memorials have been erected in their honor.

Three separate crosses adorned with colorful flowers and elaborate decorations for Samantha Bestwick and Amanda Gonzales, both 15, and Amanda’s 9-year-old brother Jacob, stand side by side as solemn tributes to lives cut short by a tragedy authorities said could’ve been avoided.

The crash that killed the two teenage girls and young boy is regarded by safety officials as one of the worst to have occurred in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreational Area in recent memory.

Bureau of Land Management public information officer Steven Razo said while numerous signs have been posted in the area, some off-road enthusiasts do not abide by laws that prohibit the operation of recreational vehicles on public roadways.

“The BLM is saddened by the occurrence, by the tragedy,” Razo said. “Unfortunately, (the children) shouldn’t have been on the highway.”

Samantha, of Norco, tried crossing the railroad tracks at Highway 78 in a 2006 Yamaha Rhino by pulling around a lowered crossing guard arm, California Highway Patrol authorities reported. The crash occurred east of the Glamis Store.

Samantha made her attempt the moment a slow-moving Union Pacific train heading north had cleared, the Highway Patrol said.


But Samantha apparently did not see another train coming from the opposite direction. That train struck the all-terrain vehicle and pushed it along the tracks.

Amanda Gonzales’ 11-year-old brother Michael, who was traveling behind in another vehicle, saw the fatal crash unfold, said Robert Gutzwiller, principal of Foothill Christian School from which Amanda had graduated junior high.

Both Amanda and her younger brother attended the school in Glendora.

A witness who saw the second train coming ran after Samantha in a futile attempt to get her to stop, said Highway Patrol Officer Wes Boerner.

With an estimated 150,000 people coming to enjoy Imperial County’s sand dunes during the Thanksgiving weekend alone, policing the area that is roughly 40 miles long and six miles wide can be a daunting task when not everyone takes safety seriously, officials said.

Despite efforts by the BLM to ensure public safety in the desert district, there has been at least one fatality involving an Arizona man in the dunes in addition to the Nov. 17 crash near Glamis, Razo said.

As for the crash that killed the three children, “the Rhino was unlicensed for the roadway,” which is in violation of the state Vehicle Code, Razo said.

Moderate temperatures in the area typically draw people from throughout California, as well as from parts of Arizona. BLM officers, Imperial County sheriff’s deputies and the Highway Patrol aid in efforts to patrol the dunes but sometimes it’s not enough, officials said.

In spite of an ATV rider’s familiarity with a recreational vehicle, it’s more than likely that he is only familiar with such a vehicle during short periods of the year, Boerner said.

“No matter how experienced they are, they are probably experienced for four months out of the year,” Boerner said of off-road enthusiasts. “They’re not as seasoned riders as they think they are.”

Those who drive off-road vehicles on state highways don’t often get caught because they immediately pull off the roadway the moment they spot a patrolman, Boerner said.

To call the Nov. 17 collision an accident would imply that no one was at fault, Boerner said, adding that the parents allowed their children to drive the Rhino but “should’ve known better.”

In the past officers have tried to explain the hazards of unlicensed or unsafe driving with little or no success.

“I try to explain it to them. Some listen, some don’t,” Boerner said.

“It’s tough to enforce the law because of the mentality of some of the people,” Boerner said. “But we do what we can.”

>> Staff Writer Silvio J. Panta can be reached at 337-3442 or at spanta@ivpressonline.com

The highway patrol officer, Boerner, made some very good points.

RoostKing...

I think we understand that people make mystakes and sometimes we make bad decisions. That is why we have hospitals, police, fire departments, court houses, jails, repair shops etc.
In this case, no signs, alleged violation or conclusion of what could have been done will change what happened.
This is just a horable tradgedy that has effected many people. My heart goes out to the families and friends involved.
I became a Glamis Dunes member because of this unfortiante event, Glad I did. There are good caring people that go to glamis.
I was in the group of spectaters on the day of the accident. since then, I have read, viewed vidios and attended the services for Sami.
I have three children all the same ages of Amanda, Jacob and Sami and every day I enjoy having my children as part of my life.
My first thoughts always default to how sad this is and please help the families get through this. Exspecialy now during the holiday season.
It is good to see this post again.

very emotional morning.
I pray that nobody ever has to experience anything like this ever again.

Click to view attachment

Any more pics of the finished memorial?

I just want to say that I think it is awesome that the GlamisDunes crew pitched in to honor the children that were lost. I think it will mean alot for the families, friends and those of us that have come to love these kids will have a designated place to come and pay our respects forever. God Bless and Ride In Peace Sami, Jacob and Amanda...

Thank you to all those that did this. O Soto, Ed, all of you are real 1st class poeple to see this through this way. To all those that came to pay respect to these kids and families, thank you also. What goes around comes around gang...

Robbie, was that picture from this weekend?

That pic is from this morning!

that is an awesome pic Robbie. Right when we were finishing up putting them up the train came by. He gave us a few short honks and a wave. After we finished it was like everyone was thinking the samething. We all just stood there silent for a good 10 minutes and stared at them.Was an amazing day.
Thank you to all that showed and helped it definitely makes an impression to see the memorial....

John

well done

My name is Keith Basso I am an Engineer Paramedic for the city of North Las Vegas Fire Dept, avid dunner and desert racer. My wife Michelle, daughter Shelby (6yr), and I would like to say to the families Of Sami, Jacob, and Amanda, we are sorry for the loss of their beautiful children. Since the incident not a day has gone by Michelle and I have not thought about the children and the loss to the families. We were sitting on the north side of the tracks in our motorhone 10 yards from the tracks when the event took place. It happened so fast, it was just the perfect setup and as for everybody that wittnessed the event there just was not enough time to react to prevent it from happening. My wife just got up to get me a drink and missed the event thank God. She called 911 and I went to the scene to help and was the only Paramedic onscene until 1 ambulance showed up with 1 paramedic at least 20 -30 minutes into the call. I thought the call went well. The rangers did a good job for the skills they can rendure. There was a nurse on scene who was great help and 2 I think retired LA county PD. I thought the call went will considering the mechanism. It has been a sad holiday for all. Event like this are rare and effect everyone. As Firefighters we've been there and done that just ask one, but this one sunk deep and the children have been in my thoughts everyday since. If the families would like to contact me for any details or thoughts you can email me at code3racing@hotmail.com I cant wait to see the memorial to say a prayer. GOD SPEED

My name is Keith Basso I am an Engineer Paramedic for the city of North Las Vegas Fire Dept, avid dunner and desert racer. My wife Michelle, daughter Shelby (6yr), and I would like to say to the families Of Sami, Jacob, and Amanda, we are sorry for the loss of their beautiful children. Since the incident not a day has gone by Michelle and I have not thought about the children and the loss to the families. We were sitting on the north side of the tracks in our motorhone 10 yards from the tracks when the event took place. It happened so fast, it was just the perfect setup and as for everybody that wittnessed the event there just was not enough time to react to prevent it from happening. My wife just got up to get me a drink and missed the event thank God. She called 911 and I went to the scene to help and was the only Paramedic onscene until 1 ambulance showed up with 1 paramedic at least 20 -30 minutes into the call. I thought the call went well. The rangers did a good job for the skills they can rendure. There was a nurse on scene who was great help and 2 I think retired LA county PD. I thought the call went will considering the mechanism. It has been a sad holiday for all. Event like this are rare and effect everyone. As Firefighters we've been there and done that just ask one, but this one sunk deep and the children have been in my thoughts everyday since. If the families would like to contact me for any details or thoughts you can email me at code3racing@hotmail.com I cant wait to see the memorial to say a prayer. GOD SPEED